Permanent indwelling tubes in benign oesophageal stricture

Permanent intubation of benign oesophageal stricture seems to be rather frequently used, but there are few reports on indications and results. The limited experience from 9 intubations in 7 patients presented, is not encouraging. Massive gastro-intestinal bleeding, peptic reflux and tube migration were seen, and 4 of the tubes had to be sacrificed within 6 weeks. Two patients only had full and lasting benefit of the treatment without serious tube complication. Indwelling tubes should be considered in benign strictures only as an alternative to gastrostomy, particularly in those patients feeling strong aversion to permanent stomy.